Gammon is one of those brilliant leftovers that always seems to go further than you expect. It’s so forgiving and so versatile that even the smallest handful can magically become another meal (or two!) without much effort at all. Whether you’ve cooked a full joint in the slow cooker, roasted one for Sunday lunch or you just have a few slices hiding in the fridge, leftover gammon is one of the easiest things to reinvent the next day.
It works in quick lunches, fakeaway-style dinners, comforting pastas and even breakfast-y meals, which is why I always try to make sure there’s a little extra when I cook it. It saves money, reduces waste and honestly makes weeknight dinners feel ten times easier.
I should say before I share the ideas for using up leftover gammon that I rarely buy the cheaper joints of gammon to cook as they’re often pumped with water – they shrink when cooked and the leftovers aren’t as nice in my opinion so I spend more on a gammon joint than I would if I was buying the cheaper joints.
That means that I really want to get the most out of a joint when I buy one. It’s my favourite joint to cook for a Sunday dinner as I know that the leftovers will be GOOD! Saying that though, if you’re on a budget then the savers joints of gammon are absolutely OK and will do the job in all of the below for a few pounds less.
So, here’s the ideas for using up leftover gammon…
1. Gammon and pineapple fried rice
A quick, throw-it-in-the-pan dinner that tastes amazing. Fry cooked rice with diced gammon, frozen peas, egg, soy sauce and a handful of pineapple. It’s sweet, salty and better than a takeaway when you’re short on time.
2. Gammon and cheese quesadillas
Leftover gammon works brilliantly in quesadillas. Add cheese, spring onions or peppers, fold, toast in a frying pan and you’ve got a crispy, gooey meal in minutes.
3. Gammon carbonara
Swap the pancetta for gammon and it works beautifully. Toss hot pasta with egg yolks, Parmesan (or whatever cheese you have in), black pepper and leftover gammon. It feels like a proper treat without much effort.
4. Gammon, egg and chips
A classic and so easy. Fry or airfry some chips, pan-fry an egg and warm through slices of leftover gammon. Simple, filling and perfect after a busy day.
5. Gammon and cheesy potato fritters
I love gammon and cheesy potato fritters as they’re such a good way to use up both leftover gammon and leftover mash. Mix mashed potato with chopped gammon, grated cheese, seasoning and a little flour to bring it together. Shape into patties and fry until golden on both sides. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle and so good with a fried or poached egg on top.
6. Gammon pasta bake
Stir chopped gammon through a quick cheesy or tomato pasta sauce, add cooked pasta and frozen peas or sweetcorn, then top with cheese and bake. Cheap, filling and very family friendly. 😊
7. Gammon omelette or frittata
A brilliant fridge clearer. Mix chopped gammon with eggs, cheese and any veg that needs using up — peppers, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms. Cook slowly in a pan or bake in the oven.
8. Gammon sandwiches, wraps or toasties
Leftover gammon is perfect for a quick lunch. Pop into a wrap or sandwich with salad and mayo, or make a toastie with cheese and chutney. Simple but always delicious.
The best thing about gammon is how far it goes. A little bit can make a whole meal when you pad it out with pasta, potatoes or rice. I hope these ideas help next time you’re wondering what to make with the leftovers.
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